A process that is used in the production of regenerated cellulose fibres in a product known as rayon. Cellulose is obtained from wood or cotton and reacted with sodium hydroxide. The alkali cellulose is then dissolved in carbon disulphide to produce cellulose xanthate, which is dissolved in a solution of sodium hydroxide. The injection of (p. 403) this solution into an acid bath produces the regenerated cellulose product. It is known as viscose on account of its high viscosity. The process was invented in 1882.